ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON THIRTEEN

Episode 126

As Nicole ran upstairs to her bedroom without a word to her mother and grandmother who both stood wordlessly in the hallway of their house looking at Jeremiah.

Finally Keisha said wearily," So they just let her go? They're not going to charge her? "

Jeremiah sighed. He looked exhausted but that was expected since he had literally been running on nothing but hot coffee and cat naps since his nephew's accident. " She's released on her own recognizance. Luckily the guy shot , ummm , Joe Jacobs, he doesn't want to press charges. Thank God he was not hurt bad. He's married to a former assistant state attorney. Actually the one that saved the day. Winston Arnett. " He ran his hands over his face and sighed.

Harriet looked at her son and said," Let me get you something to eat , honey. You go on in the living room and put your feet up. Relax and talk to your sister. "

As their mother went off to the kitchen Keisha replied," What about the other charges? Is she going to be charged with anything? Am I going to lose my baby girl? "

Jeremiah put his arm around his older sister and they both moved to the living room where they sat on the sofa opposite the wall with the television set and pictures of Dr. King and Black Jesus hanging in the midst of many family photographs.

" There may not be other charges," Jeremiah said as he kicked off his loafers and put his feet up on the battered coffee table while leaning back against the sofa back. " The state attorney is saying he won't bring charges against her thankfully but he still asked that we get her some therapy or something. Might not be a bad thing really. It's been traumatic for everyone lately. Including you, sis. "

Keisha nodded wearily. " I'll think about it. DuBuis Lane , Bullet's cousin , was talking to me about that church of his. We Baptists and always going to be but our pastor isn't a fan of therapy. But DuBuis was saying that both the ministers at his church have minors in psychology or something. One is a lady minister engaged to Faith Lane and Black. I might see if Nicole can talk to her some. I can't believe she would do something like this though. "

Tears filled her eyes. All she did lately was cry , she thought as her brother reached out to hug her firmly and supportively. Except for the nightly texts with Oscar Oswell who made her smile and laugh.

Jeremiah almost reluctantly said," Richard declared a mistrial. He had to, sis. There's no way the jury could agree on a verdict after this. I talked to Paul Paterson about it. The state attorney won't say one way or another if he will refile on her. Paul said something about budget shortfalls. "

Keisha laughed bitterly. " Of course. So she's free ? "

" Yes. Free and out of the coma I heard. They think someone tried to kill her in jail. "

Keisha closed her eyes. " Good. I hope they try again. "

Jeremiah's dark eyes glimmered with an odd emotion just as their mother came into the room with a tray full of her homemade beef stew and biscuits.

Harriet put it on the coffee table, saying," Now you both eat up. Nicole is fast asleep, poor thing ,  Justin says. He said she didn't even take her shoes and jacket off. Just fell into bed. He's working on college papers and stuff in his room so don't worry about him. You two eat and I'll tend to Nicole. "

Keisha opened her eyes again and glanced at her elderly mother. " Mama, they not charging her. Nicole that is. But that woman is getting away with it. "

Harriet shook her head. " No , she ain't. People like Dodie Angeletti always get what's coming to them. God willing. "

No , they don't, Keisha thought in her head but out of her mouth she murmured," Of course, Mama. "